[Mike Martus]

AS part of Team 47 Safety process we did sound levels at the regionals as well as the Championship.

Sounds levels in the pits at the regionals ( Detroit and Great Lakes ) were 70-85. On the field and in front of the stands it jumped to 90 and a spike as high as 100.

It was a different story at the Championship.

Pit levels were 80 - 85 - not to bad...

However on the field (I had a media pass to use the video camera) levels were 92 - 95 all the time + and spiked at 120 during announcements and play by play.

Levels in the stands were a little lower but not by much.

My team passed out ear plugs but there were few takers.

I know my ears were ringing real bad. I cannot imagine being on the floor all the hours the crews were.

YES this needs to be brought to the attention of FIRST. I made a special effort to keep the safety persons involved and they said it would be addressed.

If FIRST is REALLY committed to safety in all aspects - and I am sure they are this needs to be addressed.